First Black Astronaut Candidate, Now 90, Reaches Space In Blue Origin Flight

In a story defying age and racial barriers, Ed Dwight, the man who nearly became America's first Black astronaut six decades ago, finally rocketed into space on Sunday at the age of 90. Dwight, now an accomplished sculptor, flew aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket alongside five crewmates on a brief, history-making mission.

Dwight's journey began in the early 1960s when he was handpicked by the John F. Kennedy White House to join the ranks of NASA's astronaut trainees. However, he faced blatant racism from his colleagues and was ultimately passed over for the astronaut corps in 1963. Despite this setback, Dwight never abandoned his passion for space exploration.

"They were all instructed to give me the cold shoulder," Dwight said in a recent interview, reflecting on his experience at the time. "But it never dimmed my love for space."

Following his rejection by NASA, Dwight carved out a successful career as a sculptor, creating thought-provoking works that often explored themes of race and social justice. However, the dream of spaceflight never truly left him.

The opportunity for this long-awaited flight arrived courtesy of Blue Origin, the private space company founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin offers brief suborbital flights to the edge of space, providing a taste of weightlessness for paying passengers.

Dwight's inclusion in Sunday's flight marks a significant moment for racial representation in space exploration. While Guion Bluford became the first African American astronaut in space in 1983, the industry has grappled with a lack of diversity for decades. Dwight's presence aboard the New Shepard sends a powerful message of inclusion and perseverance.

"This is a life-changing experience," exclaimed Dwight upon landing, a wide smile gracing his face. "Absolutely fantastic! Everybody needs to do this!"

At 90 years and eight months old, Dwight is now the oldest person to ever fly in space, surpassing actor William Shatner's record set in 2021 by a few months. His journey serves as an inspiration to dreamers of all ages, proving that it's never too late to reach for the stars.

This historic flight not only marks a personal triumph for Dwight but also signifies a shift in the demographics of space travel. As private companies like Blue Origin make space more accessible, the opportunity to experience the wonders of space exploration may soon become a reality for a wider range of individuals.